Basket Weaving: Sewing Basket (January 31, 2026)

📅 Class Details 

Saturday, January 31, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (EST)

Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

Tuition:
$105.00 – $120.00

Click Here to Register

Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

The Basket Weaving Sewing Basket Workshop is a full-day, immersive class designed for students interested in learning traditional basket weaving while producing a practical, heirloom-quality sewing basket. Held at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this workshop blends historic craftsmanship with functional design, making it ideal for fiber artists, sewists, quilters, and anyone who appreciates handmade tools rooted in tradition.

During this workshop, participants will create a two-tier sewing basket using centuries-old basket weaving techniques. The finished basket features a sturdy 18-inch by 12-inch base basket, topped with a smaller attached basket designed to hold sewing tools and small project supplies. An oak handle connects the two baskets, creating a classic sewing basket form that is both durable and visually striking. This versatile basket can be used for sewing, knitting, embroidery, mending, or general household storage.

Students will learn how to measure, shape, weave, and assemble both baskets step by step. Instruction includes forming the base, building side walls, attaching the oak handle, and constructing and securing the upper basket. Emphasis is placed on traditional methods that rely on skill and precision rather than modern shortcuts. No nails, glue, staples, or molds are used—just time-honored basketry techniques passed down through generations.

The Basket Weaving Sewing Basket Workshop is taught by Joan Betzold, a nationally recognized basket weaver and instructor with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Joan attends more than 40 art, folk art, colonial, fiber, and gardening shows each year and has been honored as a Featured Artist at several nationally recognized events. She designs, dyes, and weaves her original baskets using historic techniques, and she is widely known for award-winning custom designs that incorporate vintage tools, kitchen items, antlers, and meaningful heirloom objects.

Joan also brings extensive teaching experience to the classroom, having taught basket weaving at museums throughout the region as well as in private settings. For several years, she has served as the basket weaving judge at the Maryland State Fair, a role that speaks to her expertise and reputation within the field. Students benefit from her patient instruction, deep technical knowledge, and commitment to preserving traditional basketry skills.

This workshop is suitable for beginners with good hand dexterity as well as experienced weavers looking to expand their skills. The class runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and participants should be prepared for a full day of hands-on work.

🧺 What to Bring

Students are asked to bring the following items:

• Measuring tape

• Sharpened pencil

• Brick wrapped in plastic wrap

• 12 large wooden clip-style clothespins

• Old towel

• Scissors

• Pocket knife

• Small regular screwdriver

• Spray bottle

• Pail or dish pan (to hold approximately 2 gallons of water)

• Lunch, drinks, and snacks

Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on craft work.

⚠️ Important Notes

• All materials for basket weaving are provided unless otherwise noted

• Class is held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom (one flight of stairs)

• All sales are final. No refunds

• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum